Chris Kreider's Future, Peter Laviolette's Job Security And More Rangers Thoughts

1. We know Chris Kreider will be traded next summer and we know his target team is the Bruins since he's a native of Boxford, Massachusetts.

2. What we don't know is whether the rebuilding Beantowners would want the Rapidly Rusting Goal Machine. Nor how much the discarding Rangers would be willing to swallow of his FAT salary.

3. The fact is that Jonny Brodzinski was supposed to be captain of the AHL Wolfpack and is being paid that kind of dough. But Jonny Hustle has pushed his way to the Rangers top with high-grade goals. Once and for all, forget about Hartford!

4. What's more, there's no reason under the sun – or on a slow boat to China – that he shouldn't return next season – as Rangers, not Wolf Pack captain.

5. Well-played tonight – meaning at least ten minutes – Man Mountain Matt Rempe could make a positive difference against the large, pestiferous Kings. (Play him big, Peter, play him BIG!)

6. From Jess Rubenstein. "Here's how to get rid of Mika Zibanejad. First, trade Kreider and then agree to eat half of Z's ridiculous contract for any taker." That could inspire Z to snap his 'No Trade' position that – up to now – has inhibited such a trade."

7. The vast "Fire Laviolette" multitudes could be in for the shock of their lives. A minority bloc of savants believe that Chris Drury does NOT want another coaching change under his watch.

8. One insider I know actually believes that Lavvy is trying to force Drury to rip away the rotten Ranger core. Games like tonight's will be very instructive in that regard.

9. I hear that Old Pal Mike Richter is part of a group planning to put an expansion WHL franchise in Penticton, British Columbia.

10. Just to be clear: The Maven is ALL FOR a Brad Park banner-raising as long as a long-deserving Frank Boucher flag goes with it. Among other accomplishments, Hall of Fame center Boucher was a lifetime Ranger player, coach manager and won so many Lady Byng Trophies that The Lady, herself, gave Boosh the trophy and had another one struck for other players.